Voting concluded in the Kids/Learning category

A Wizard of Oz-themed sculpture made of cans and other food items, part of the annual Canstruction exhibit to benefit the Food Pantries for the Capital District, was at the New York State Museum in Albany on March 26, 2013. (Times Union archive)

Voting in the fifth round of the Capital Region Gives promotion was nothing short of astounding.

Four finalists battled for the lead in the Human Services category, each holding it at different times over four days.

The Food Pantries moves on to the final vote in the promotion, which will award $15,000 in prizes to two local nonprofits: $5,000 in cash plus $5,000 of in-kind advertising in the Times Union to the first-place winner, and $5,000 of in-kind advertising to the second-place finisher.

The following excerpts — from a few of the hundreds of nominations received — give some background about the nonprofits:

Cheryl McPhillips writes of Myles of Smyles: We all hope that we never know what it is to be the parent of a seriously or terminally ill child — to imagine our busy lives of work, sporting events and social activities being all but forgotten when our child is facing a life threatening illness. Unfortunately it happens to too many families. Myles of Smyles seeks to bring a “smyle” in whatever way, large or small, to a sick child and his or her family. Understanding how precious and short life can be, the foundation gives families what they need when they need it, as some families do not have the luxury of the time it takes to obtain financial support or the granting of a wish. Myles of Smyles is only just getting started.

Laura Mirkovic writes of TSL Adventures: Togetherness, Sharing and Learning (provides) child care and after school care in the Capital Region. TSL has been part of our lives for four years now. As a summer camp program, they offer incredible programming with hands-on interactive games, scientific experiments, a fitness club as well as recess style games that encourage togetherness, learning and sharing. Regarding after school care, they (are) responsible and ensure the children get a healthy snack, do their homework and enjoy some game and craft time. As a mother of three kids, we have tried many camps and child care facilities in the district. TSL provides the kind of nurturing a mother can endorse rarely found in other facilities.

Jonathan Ward writes of the Young Actors Guild: I went to YAG from the age of 13 to 18, and … those years (were) the greatest of my life. My mom and sister were busy for work and school and YAG was like a second home to me. Giving me guidance, friends, life lessons and a place to be me and not be judged for wanting to sing, dance and act. I’ve learned so much about life from the director, Mary D’amico, and all the counselors. This program means so much to me and has made my life change for the better. I’ve met some of the closest and greatest friends there.

After readers have cast their votes in the Kids/Learning category, six finalists will move on to a final vote beginning next Thursday, March 20.

Winners will be announced April 10 in a Capital Region Gives special section, a Times Union project to help the community connect with local nonprofits.

Readers can cast one vote per computer, phone or tablet in the poll below. Simply click on the bubble in front of the nonprofit of your choice and hit the “vote” button. (For a full list of promotion rules, click here.)

Which nonprofit in the Kids/Learning category do you think is most deserving of the Capital Region Gives promotion prize?